You’re probably aware that I’ve traveled to some pretty amazing locations. My time with Luxury Ventures Travel has included countless trips across the globes. One of the best perks of my career is being able to not only provide adventures to others but to also travel the world myself.

My position has led me to everywhere from Bali to New Zealand to Hong Kong. Would you guess that I went on all of these adventures alone? Yes, I’ll admit it: I’m a solo traveler. I love traveling with my husband, friends, family & little fuzzy companion but I also really appreciate the opportunity to spend time on my own for local discovery and connection with new friends I have made while traveling near and afar.

Many of my best personal experiences have stemmed from solo adventures around the world.

I get it if you don’t find solo travel appealing.  Traveling alone sounds isolating and scary. I’ve found it to be quite the opposite. A solo adventure can be a liberating experience. You travel on your own time, your own schedule, and your own terms. Still, traveling alone is not without its risks. Here are a few tips that I’ve picked up over the years to help you make the most of your trip for one.

Meet Other Travelers

You don’t have to be alone during your solo adventure. Fellow travelers are some of the easiest people to befriend. I’ve found travelers to be welcoming and inviting no matter the location. Look for opportunities to meet other travelers during your trip. They can be people staying at your hotel, on a local tour, or even at a local restaurant or cafe. Other travelers can give you a sense of camaraderie and insights into fun activities.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

This one is a given for any traveler. The beauty of traveling alone is that you can do whatever you want. You aren’t bogged down by an itinerary or other travelers’ needs. You might be reluctant to step outside your comfort zone when you’re alone. Take advantage of the opportunity to do things you can’t in group settings. Go on that bungee jump, helicopter, or cliff dive that your friends and family would avoid.

Prepare for the Worst

Accidents happen. It’s important to be prepared should the worst case scenario occur. You don’t want to be lost in a foreign city with no passport, ID, or money. How can you keep yourself safe? Leave a copy of your itinerary with a loved one back home. You can also carry emergency contact information, health information, and extra identification to protect yourself.

Pack Light

No one wants to lug around a 50-pound suitcase. Aim to pack light to open yourself up to adventures during your trip. A solo adventurer needs to be able to make spontaneous decisions. Large suitcases only get in the way. Take a minimalist approach to packing.

Know Where You’re Going Before You Leave

Nothing screams tourist more than cluelessly staring at a map. Check your travel schedule before you leave your hotel. You should know where you are going, your method of transportation, and your route before you’re out in the open. This will help keep you safe and on schedule.

Carry Cash

I know, it’s the 21st century. Still, cash is a valuable asset to have while traveling. You don’t want to get stuck at a cash-only establishment with only credit cards. I recommend taking out a few hundred dollars in local currency per trip. This will help pay for transportation, food, and last minute incidentals. Use hotel safes and money belts if you don’t feel comfortable walking around with cash.

Avoid Single Supplement

Haven’t heard of single supplement? It’s a travel industry premium charged to solo travelers when they book a room alone. It’s frequently found in hotel rooms, cruises, and even tour operators. Single supplements can get pretty pricey. Ask about single supplement before booking your lodging and excursions. You can also look into roommate matching to avoid this cost.

Basic Language Skills

This one goes without saying. Travelers should always put in the effort to learn how to say basic phrases in a country’s native tongue. It’s especially important, however, when traveling alone. Knowing a few words will doubtless help you when you’re out and about. It will make interactions that much easier.

Eat Well

You might be tempted to forego sit-down meals while on your solo trip. Don’t. Eating new cuisine is one of the best perks of international travel. Eating alone doesn’t have to be awkward. You can grab a seat at the bar to interact with other patrons. How about striking up a conversation with the waiter? You can always bring a book to the table to keep yourself entertained. Plus, it’s easier to find a seat for one than seating for large groups.

Wake Up Early

You probably don’t want a solo night on the town. Forget about bar-hopping during your solo adventure. Instead, wake up early and make the most of your day. There’s no shortage of perks for the early bird. You can skip out on lines and pack your day with activities.

Traveling solo can be deliciously self-indulgent and incredibly uncomfortable at the same time, but trust me, you won’t regret it. Let us help you plan your next solo adventure (or couples, friends, group, business too) as we would love to create the trip of a lifetime for you and hopefully the beginning of many!

Please contact us at info@luxuryventurestravel.com. If you like us then follow us at @luxuryventurestravel on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn.